After The Motorworks replaced my left rear axle assembly and I drove it
a bit, I realized I could still hear the CV joints.  Don't get me wrong:
The one they replaced was completely shot.  The boot was gone from the
outboard joint.

But the right axle needed CV joints, too!  We just didn't hear it,
because the noise didn't start until (I suppose) the grease got warm, or
something.

So I asked Bus Depot to overnight me two GERMAN CV kits to rebuild my
original (I hope) German axle!  I took the Westy back to The Motorworks,
and they did the job in one day.  I picked it up today, and the axles
are still quiet after driving 20 miles back to camp.  Yay!

We'll see whether the Chinese axle assembly on the left side fails way
early.  I've got the remaining German axle with me, ready for the next
rebuild!

Bus Depot came through like champs.  (GoWesty is taking a week even to
process orders these days.  I'm glad I decided to start ordering from
Bus Depot!)

On 6/30/2018 7:31 AM, Steve Williams wrote:
> I trust your experience.�  But I needed to get the Westy back asap.�  I
> hope the Chinese part will last a little longer than 1,000 miles, so I
> can finish my road trip.
>
> On 6/30/2018 6:58 AM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>> Over the years I have seen many failures with these axles especially
>> on Syncros. Worse, they often use a spline pattern not compatible with
>> new OEM spec joints. Sometimes doesn't matter when the shaft breaks
>> anyway. It was a good idea to keep the old axle. ...
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
>> Behalf Of Sean Garrett
>> Sent: Saturday, June 30, 2018 8:37 AM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: Re: Excellent Service from The Motorworks in Dutchess County NY
>>
>> Don’t trust the Chinese axles, mine failed in less than 1000 miles on
>> a long trip.